Exercise Excuses (And Why They Don’t Hold Up)

You know both your body and mind need exercise. But how often do you make a concerted effort to put your money where your mouth is? So today we’re gonna go over some popular exercise excuses.

Some of these can be valid (for a time). Others don’t really hold up at all. So if the idea of running makes you run for the hills. Or if skipping your workout is the most skipping you’ve done in eons, check out these exercise excuses, stat!

I don’t have the time

Okay, so you’re busy. Your Netflix watchlist isn’t going to watch itself. We get it! You probably have a job, errands, and 101 other things to manage as part of your daily schedule. But are you really too busy to take care of your health?

Tip: You don’t have to run a marathon around the park every day or spend hours at a gym to keep fit. These ten-minute workouts can be done at home. So even with your busy schedule, you should be able to squeeze exercise time into your day.

I’m in pain

This one’s more valid. If you suffer from a chronic condition or feel pain because of a fitness-related injury, then it makes sense to play it safe.

While rest and possibly rehab is important in both cases, you might not need to give up exercise entirely. Unless of course, your doctor has warned against it. There are ways to work around it.

For instance, let’s say you hurt your back. Exercise like Pilates works well for those getting over a back injury. It’s all about understanding how to work around your limitations.

Tip: In some cases, exercise can actually alleviate some of the pain you feel. This guide will give you an idea of exercises that could be manageable for you. Again, check with your doctor or physical therapist for further advice before attempting anything new.

I’m too tired

This goes back to being busy. It can be hard to motivate yourself when your body is screaming ‘no.’ But the hardest part is taking the first step. You might be surprised that, once you get moving, an exercise routine can make you feel really good.

Tip: A little bit of exercise will actually renew your energy level and help you overcome exhaustion. Check out these tips, easy ways to exercise, no matter how busy or tired you are. An exercise routine might be just what you need for extra energy.

Exercise is boring

Yes, exercise can be boring, especially if you do the same tired routine day in and day out. But take this as a challenge. How can you shake up your exercise routine to make it more intriguing?

What kind of movement might be entertaining? When has physical fitness felt fulfilling? You need to understand what ‘gets you going’ at the gym.

Tip: Change things up once in a while, and look for exercise ideas that are fun. From joining a dance class to playing outdoor games with your kids, there are ways to exercise that won’t seem boring at all.

Final word

Some people can’t exercise for medical reasons. If this is you, then you need to take care of yourself in other ways. If it’s not you, then you’ve probably been relying on excuses for too long.

The problem is, you still have to deal with the consequences. You have more energy when you exercise. You’re likely to carry less stress. Your mood will lift. You’ll look better an feel better. And these are all wins worth pushing through your blocks.

We can all benefit from exercise, even low and moderate levels. It’s important to encourage one another, find a friend, spouse or family member who will help you and encourage you to do some healthy activities.